Project Characteristics Program Areas Innovative Youth involvement Increased partnership opportunities Occupant Protection Targeted Audience Jurisdiction Children to age 18 County

Goals

• To reduce motor vehicle collision fatalities and injuries to front seat occupants, and rear seat occupants aged 17 and under.
• To increase public awareness of the youth backseat safety belt laws.

Strategies

To promote the national “Click It Or Ticket” educational and enforcement campaign, the Hawaii County Police Department decided to conduct two 3-on-3 basketball tournaments.  Tournaments were held in two separate locations in the county and each lasted three days.  The Police Department  formed partnerships with the Department of Education, Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition, Department of Health, HATCH, High School Key Clubs, and community organizations to facilitate and coordinate the basketball tournaments.  Funding was granted from the State Department of Transportation Public Affairs Office-Safe Community Program. 

Community and student volunteers assisted with the tournaments and placed “Click It or Ticket” posters in public schools.  Seat belt and Keiki car seat checks were conducted during the events, with t-shirts and educational materials handed out to the public.  Over 1,000 people attended both tournaments, including over 600 participating youth.  Over 900 CIOT t-shirts were given to athletes, volunteers, and spectators.  Youth and adults alike were given the opportunity to sign and return seat belt pledges promising to have all vehicle occupants buckled up.

Results

• Many new and extended partnerships were developed in the county. 
• Approximately 600 seat belt pledges  were signed and returned. 
• Approximately 300 customized “Click It Or Ticket” medals were awarded to “placing” teams.
• Organizations and opportunities were identified to make the tournaments self-sufficient events.

Funding: Contact: $12,700.00 grant from the State Department of Transportation Public Affairs Office-Safe Community Program               Dennis M Onishi Recreation Director II Hawaii Police Department HI-PAL’s Hilo Office 808-961-2219 Jurisdiction Size: County